Murphy's sweet sass made him the Elvis of comedy. Then he became the Elvis of infamy. Now he's back in a smart new romantic comedy -- if you'll have him.

Moviegoers adopt movie stars. They spot some fresh face in the orphanage of anonymity, fall in love with him, take him home and become parents to his fame. They are possessive too. When he shines, they smile; when he acts up, they get angry. Or worse, lose interest. If he gets a swelled head, or pays them no heed, they may disown their golden child. There are so many, after all, in the show-biz foundling home.

Such is the problem facing Eddie Murphy, 31, as he awaits this week's release of Boomerang, his first film in two years. From the moment...